Spitfire Memorial

Spitfire Memorial

On the seafront against Fairhaven Lake you’ll see a Spitfire plane flying high in the sky. The nine-metre plane is a full-size, exact replica Spitfire.

It sits on a plinth and pole-like support, the centrepiece of a lakeside RAF Fighter and Bomber Command memorial. Its official title is the “Lytham St Annes RAF Fighter, Bomber & Coastal Command Memorial”.

If you’re not familiar with the area you can find it off the Inner Promenade at Lytham Saint Annes – use postcode FY8 1BD.

Look Around the Spitfire Memorial

This is an excellent video showing you around the Spitfire, with thanks to Robert Hudson who filmed it.

The Spitfire is a fantastic addition to Fairhaven Lake. No-one should forget the frightening days of World War Two. The volunteers deserve full credit for their efforts and Fylde people are proud to host such a memorial.

More about Lytham St Annes Spitfire Memorial

Lytham St Annes’ Spitfire, W3644, was shot down in Devon in 1942 when returning from France where it was escorting bombers.

Volunteer and fund-raiser John Coombes said: “Residents of Lytham and St Annes raised £6,500 to buy the original Spitfire plane in 1941.

“Sadly, it was shot down the following year. Residents were especially touched as its pilot – Sergeant Alan Lever-Ridings – had family connections with the area.

“Allan’s mother and grandparents lived in St Annes. It was especially poignant that a number of his surviving relatives attended the unveiling of the memorial in 2012.”

Close up of the Spitfire Memorial at Fairhaven Lake

The Spitfire Memorial

The Memorial was officially unveiled on 19 August 2012. It includes commemorative plaques to RAF, Commonwealth and United States Army Air Forces.

This unique RAF Fighter, Bomber & Coastal Command Memorial and its interactive “Roll of Honour” is a tribute those aircrewman who lost their lives on active service during WW2.

It’s also an educational tool to enable future generations to learn about the many sacrifices made by the Royal Air Force, on the ground and in the air, between 1939 – 1945.

23 June 2017 marked the 75th anniversary of the loss of W3644. In 2017 the Team also opened a Visitor Centre at former RAF Squires Gate, in Hangar 42.

Lytham St Annes Ground Spitfire Display Team

The Lytham St Annes Ground Spitfire Display Team operate three Spitfire aircraft from their base at Blackpool Airport. The MkII’s and Mark IX’s are available to hire for events and can cover all the UK and Western Europe.

You can also donate to the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Aircraft Preservation Fund.

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